Ep 2. Not Cancer
- TV14
- September 23, 2008
- 43 min
-
8.1 (2,853)
In House season 5 episode 2, titled "Not Cancer," we see the hospital's finest diagnostician up to his usual antics. The episode begins with Dr. Lawrence Kutner running late to take over Wilson's practice while he is away on vacation. Meanwhile, House is trying to diagnose a patient named Jack, who is experiencing severe pain in his left leg. House quickly determines that Jack does not have cancer, despite the fact that his previous doctors have all told him that he does.
As House works to diagnose Jack, we see a series of flashbacks to when House first met Kutner. It's a touching moment, as House shares that Kutner is the only doctor on his team who doesn't challenge him and is always willing to do whatever it takes to solve a case, even if it means going against House's orders.
Back in the present, House is convinced that Jack's problem is not cancer but something else entirely. He orders a series of tests and is continually frustrated by the fact that they can't seem to find the root of the problem. At one point, he even accuses the hospital staff of purposely sabotaging the tests to make him look bad. In typical House fashion, he's always looking for someone to blame, even if it's not warranted.
Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of House's softer side. He shares a touching moment with Cuddy, in which he tells her that he's been seeing a therapist. She's shocked and impressed that he's taking care of his mental health.
The episode is not without its lighter moments. We see Taub and Wilson bonding over a patient who's convinced he's a werewolf. Taub is skeptical, but Wilson is trying to keep an open mind. We also see House's team attempting to take a break from work by going to a nearby carnival. Of course, House refuses to go and is convinced that the whole thing is a waste of time.
As the episode reaches its climax, House suddenly realizes what's wrong with Jack. I won't spoil it here, but suffice it to say that the diagnosis is unexpected and requires some quick thinking on House's part. In the end, House's team is able to successfully treat Jack's condition, and House is left to mull over the fact that he was wrong about the diagnosis at first.
The episode ends with a funny moment in which we see House lying on the floor of his office, surrounded by his team, who are all trying to convince him to get up. He complains that it's too hot outside and that he's too tired to move. His team rib him, but it's clear that they genuinely care for him and want him to be okay.
Overall, House season 5 episode 2 is a solid entry in the long-running medical drama. It's packed with the typical humor and drama that fans of the show have come to expect, and it keeps things interesting with its unexpected twists and turns. If you're a fan of House, this episode is definitely worth a watch.